IRELAND’S PAUL MCSHANE has been confirmed as a Reading player.
The 29-year-old defender was Hull City’s longest-serving player when he left the club after six yeas after they were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season.
As his contract wasn’t renewed, former Manchester United youth McShane was available on a free transfer and the Royals, managed by Steve Clarke, have decided to snap him up on a three-year deal.
The move comes two days after international team-mate Stephen Quinn also made the switch from Hull to Reading, while McShane could replace another Ireland defender, Alex Pearce, who has joined Derby County.
“Even before Alex Pearce chose to leave the club on a free transfer I had decided that another experienced central defender was needed for this season,” said Clarke.
“I knew that Paul’s contract with Hull City was due to expire and was always monitoring the situation. When we met up earlier in the summer for a chat I knew that Paul would be a good signing for Reading FC and I’m pleased that we managed to get the deal completed.
As well as his obvious talents as an experienced defender who is aggressive both in the air and on the ground, I felt that he was a good character to bring into our squad.
“Paul has gained good experience at many clubs and, like Stephen Quinn, was an important part of a promotion-winning team. He has a winning mentality and it will be good for our two young central defenders, Michael Hector and Jake Cooper, to train and play alongside Paul.”
